2025 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions
October 18–20, 2025 | San Antonio, TX
The following is the Session Descriptions for the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX. All sessions, times, and presenter information have been confirmed, though final adjustments may occur due to unforeseen circumstances onsite.
For a visual Calendar view, please visit: Schedule at a Glance
For information on our Bonus Day at Morgan's Sports on Friday October 17th, please visit: ATRA San Antonio Bonus Day: Morgan's Sports
Continuing Education (CEUs):
NCTRC has approved all sessions for CEUs.
For questions related to specialty certification areas, please refer to the PDF version of the program for designation icons and CEU-eligible sessions.
Code of Conduct:
All attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and guests are expected to uphold the ATRA Conference Code of Conduct.
To review the Code, view it here.
Note on Non-ATRA Activities:
Please note that any events or activities not listed in the official ATRA San Antonio program are independently organized and not affiliated or sponsored by ATRA. ATRA is not responsible for independently coordinated events, meetups or activities not articulated in this program. Individuals interested in non-ATRA sponsored activities should contact their respective organizations directly for details.
Research Institute 1
Session Description
Research Institute 1 contains the following research oral presentations and researchers:
1. "Community Participation, Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Adults with Serious Mental Illness"
Researchers: Bryan McCormick, PhD PhD, CTRS, FDRT, FALS, Tabea Neumann MSc, CAAP, BABCP-reg., Eugene Brusilovskiy MUSA Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion
2. "The Lived Experiences of Recreational Therapists in Forensic and Correctional Settings"
Researchers: Sarah R. Fischer, PhD, CTRS-BH, Brandi Crowe, PhD, LRT, CTRS, FDRT, Stephen Lewis, PhD, CTR, Dr. Jasmine Townsend, PhD, CTRS, FDRT, CARSS-II, C.Sherin Singleton, PsyD
3. "The impact of a mindfulness-based virtual reality intervention on psychological distress in college students: Self-reported and neurophysiological outcomes"
Researchers: Jay Kim PhD, LRT, CTRS , Yongseop Kim PhD, CTRS, Junhyoung Kim PhD, CTRS, CHUNG SUP LEE PhD, CTRS
Each oral presentation will last 15-20 minutes followed by a cumulative facilitated Q&A at the end of the session.
Learning Outcomes
Identify current research findings related to social isolation, loneliness, and mental health in recreational therapy.
Describe implications of RT research for practice in behavioral health, forensic, and correctional settings.
Explain how innovative interventions (e.g., mindfulness, virtual reality, neurophysiological data) can inform evidence-based RT treatment planning.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Community
Research
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals